Plate Tectonic Study Guide

The movement of the tectonic plates is caused by

• the rotation of the Earth.

• convection currents in the Asthenosphere

• the gravity of the iron-nickel core.

• the Moho discontinuity.

There are three types of plate boundaries. Which choice is NOT a type of plate boundary?

• convergent
• thrust
• divergent
• transform

Observe this diagram of a plate boundary. One statement BEST describes what is happening. It is that

• the oceanic crust is melting.

• the denser ceanic crust is subducting under the less dense oceanic crust

• volcanic islands are forming.

• the tectonic plates are moving away from each other.

What geological forces might be responsible for this range of mountains?

• diverging tectonic plates
• erosion of the land by the ocean
• converging tectonic plates
• deposition of sediments by the ocean
  

The Earth’s surface is not a solid surface but is divided into

• several oceanic plates.
• continental and crustal plates.
  
• seven continental plates.
• continental and oceanic plates.
  

Geologists have long recognized that earthquakes are not randomly distributed on Earth but occur in concentrated areas that coincide with __________ and provide evidence for the theory of ___________ .

• mountain ranges; fault zones.
• continental borders; supercontinents.
• plate boundaries; plate tectonics
• areas of liquid magma; sea floor spreading.
  

Where are earthquakes MOST LIKELY to occur?

• close to the equator

• close to the center of tectonic plates

• at divergent or convergent plate boundaries

• at transform plate boundaries

The image shows the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region of high tectonic activity. What evidence supports the theory that the tectonic activity of the region is due to the subduction of tectonic plates?

• The region is bound by many oceanic trenches.
• North America seems to be colliding with Asia at the north of the ring.
• The Asia-Pacific region is dotted by many small and large islands
• The landmasses look like they would fit together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
  

___________ currents in the Earth's asthenosphere cause plate to shift at their boundaries. This movement also causes earthquakes and volcanic activity.

• conduction

• convection

• radiation

• ocean

Observe the plate boundary shown here. What type of plate boundary is this? Many geologic events occur at these boundaries. Some are shown, but one is missing. What geologic event would you predict would occur at this plate boundary?

• convergent oceanic-oceanic plate boundary; volcano
• divergent oceanic-oceanic plate boundary; sea floor spreading
• convergent oceanic-continental plate boundary; earthquake
• convergent continental-continental plate boundary; mountain building